2012 MLB Draft Signing Deadline: Under the Radar – AL Central

With the draft signing deadline here and gone, we have taken to the final signings and are looking to see which of our draft tracker prospects fell to a zone that could make them absolute steals. Keep in mind that we are going way deep into the prospect and draft world here. Deep to the point that some of these players could become names the average fan will never ever here uttered. But we’re going to take a look at the AL Central now and make it through the 6 leagues over the next few days because this is what makes this interesting. Here is the AL West and NL East.

Anyone can tell you that Joey Gallo is a powerhouse bat for the Rangers or that Mike Zunino has a shot at being a full time catcher with an excellent power/contact bat. As a matter of fact, we’ve already been there and done that. So now, you decide… “You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.” -Morpheus

Cleveland Indians

Kieran Lovegrove RHP 7/28/1994 – We’re looking mainly at players selected outside the top 10 rounds, but the Indians got a pitcher in the 3rd round that Baseball Instinct sees as a potential first round talent. Kieran Lovegrove. Lovegrove has a great pitchers frame at 6’4″ and 185 lbs with a low 90s fastball that he can run to 93-94 and a plus slider when he’s on. He’s a project and needs mechanical adjustments, but if he’s handled properly he’s a serious talent.

Kansas City Royals

Matt Strahm LHP 11/12/1991 – Strahm led JuCo pitchers in strikeouts with 124 in 92 IP this season. He’s a lanky lefty and how much physical projection he has left will determine his upside but his 6’3″ 170 lbs frame has room to fill out. His velocity kicked up from the high 80s to the low 90s. He lives off of his command but has a slider and changeup that he works with. Both need refinement. But a lefty with projection and fastball in the 90s is a nice get in the 21st round.

Detroit Tigers

Logan Ehlers LHP 10/30/1991 – Ehlers passed on $800k in 2010 when selected by the Blue Jays in the 8th round, so getting him for $122k in the 20th round makes him a value pick for the Tigers. He’s got fastball that sits 87-91 with a solid slider and developing changeup. He’ll need some mechanical adjustments

Minnesota Twins

Zach Larson OF 10/8/1993 – Larson is a solid framed OF at 6’2″ 185 with plenty of room to grow. He hasn’t flashed much power yet but his .462 AVG shows his ability with the bat. He has wide shoulder and very slim waist, so expect him to add 25-30 lbs as he matures. With that should come the power.

Chicago White Sox

Jordan Guerrero LHP 5/31/1994 – Guerrero was a potential Top 10 rounds selection, but the White Sox snagged him in the 15th and it cost them just $100k. He’s a 6’3″ 165 lbs lefty. He flashed a low 90s fastball in the spring but settled into the high 80s causing him to drop on some boards. But his best secondary is his changeup and that bodes well if he can uptick the velocity under pro coaching and physical maturity.

Sammy Ayala C 7/12/1994 – Ayala is a 3-sport athlete and while the athleticism is there, questions about his ability to hit on the pro level caused him to drop to the 17th round. But he’s going to project for average power or better and if he can develop to his ability he could be an above average catcher with enough bat to move up the prospect ladder.

Stick with Baseball Instinct and we’ll keep you a step ahead of the game. Check back soon for more Prospect coverage. While you’re here, check out our Baseball Instinct 360° – it’s our top 360 prospects for 2012. Also check out a friend of ours for all of your fantasy sports needs. Fantasy Rundown is updated religiously and is truly an awesome resource. Thanks for checking Baseball Instinct. We’re working hard to bring you the best of the minor leagues and make the site the best experience it can be, so don’t hesitate to tell us what you would like to read about. Email us now at mailbag@baseballinstinct.com. And while you’re at it head over to Facebook and join the Instinct page.

Thomas Belmont
I was born and raised in NYC. My father was a diehard Yankees fan but not biased and raised me to love the game more than any one team. For that I'm truly thankful to him.
My love for the game runs deep, and after crunching numbers all day long, I tend to spend my nights at the FSL ballparks.